The OP is a bit misguided. The tea party does not exist as a unified, coherant, seperate entity. At the beginning it briefly looked like it might be an interesting libertarian movement, but it has since been highjacked by ultra-conservatives who seized the label, re-branded themselves with it, and shouted "tea party" until everyone basically gave up and let them have it.

Can't disagree with this. But don't forget that Conservatives, some who are "ultra" do have some libertarian leanings such as in economics, taxes etc.

__________________My Message to President-Elect Donald Trump:America did NOT became great because of what government did. America became great because of what the U.S. Constitution prevented our government from doing. The people made America great.